Do you have an object that’s meaningful to you?

Does it remind you of a happy time, a particular person, or a moment in your life? Maybe it has an amazing story behind it, or maybe it’s just something that makes you smile.

 Artist Carol Cooke (pictured) would love to hear all about it.

 Carol is visiting community and arts centres across Sunderland to collect stories about the objects that matter to us. She’s inviting people to bring along a meaningful item — or a photo of it, if that’s easier — and share the story behind it. Carol may record your story, take a photograph, or film a short piece, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.

 These sessions are informal, friendly, and relaxed — a chance to sit together, listen, and learn a bit more about each other and the histories we carry with us.

 Carol will be sharing the story behind her own treasured object: a tea set that once belonged to her Granny. Her Granny donated it to her church in 1955, and years later Carol rediscovered it while washing up after her son’s christening in 1975. Thanks to her mother’s replacement tea set,  Carol was able to keep this special family heirloom.

This story became the starting point for Tea Set — a project about memory, connection, and the objects that hold our stories.

You don’t need to bring a tea set — any meaningful object is welcome.

Want to contribute online? Simply email a photo of your item and the story behind it to info@theculturalspring.org.uk and we’ll upload it here!